Dundonald Highland Games attracts record numbers this year

The Games committee were delighted with the turnout, which saw record entries to the competitions on the day as well as the events staged earlier in the week, including treasure hunts and the pet show.

Chieftain William Miller with Queen Liv Kelly (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

This year's Chieftain was Dundonald man William Miller and the 2023 Queen was Liv Kelly.

There was a fantastic grand parade through the town before the big events began at Dundonald Castle.

Games chair John Bryson said after the event on Facebook: "Well what an amazing day that was yesterday. And just like that it's gone.

He added: "I would like to thank Destination South Ayrshire, South Ayrshire Council, our sponsors, our volunteers, our patrons, our partners, the Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway Branch of RSPBA, all our competitors and everyone who attended and supported the games, our traders and stall holders yesterday - we couldn’t do it all without you.

"And of course, a huge thank you to our amazing hardworking committee.

"The car treasure hunt was the busiest it has ever been. The walking treasure hunt was the busiest it had ever been.

"The 10k entries, 254, again busiest we can remember.

"The pet show, you can guess? Yes the busiest it’s ever been.

"And Games day itself - 14 pipe bands entered from near and far none of us can ever remember this many bands. The highland dancing entries - 135 - absolutely amazing!

"As I said in my speech yesterday, we already have plans afoot for next year to make the games bigger and better and I was shocked this morning by the time we surfaced that there have already been two enquires for stalls for 2024 already.

"If anyone wants to join the committee or volunteer to help, there are currently 10 of us but we are always looking for more members. Just contact myself or one of the committee for a chat.

"Thank you all."